First, I would like to thank everyone in this community for their constant support. This is YOUR community theatre and due to you SLT won the Outstanding Arts organization for the State of Missouri 2006, the Ozzie Award 2005, Best Live Theatre in 417 Magazine and Springfield News-Leader several years in a row. We could never have achieved this without you and for this we say Thank You.

Secondly, people often wonder how we pick shows for a season. What is the process? How do you decide? Well…sometimes I wonder that myself; however, it really comes down to what Mick Denniston once said to me, ”Beth, You just put a season in your mouth, chew on it, and see if it tastes right.” I’d like to say it is like rocket science but, honestly it’s about your gut feeling.

Earlier this year we lost Mick Denniston after injuries he sustained in a car accident. I cannot begin to tell you the hole that will leave at this theatre. He was the driving force of SLT for many years, as a mentor, a director and friend. He set the standard. So, this season is dedicated to Mick---I think he would have thought it tasted pretty good.”

Beth Domann

SLT Artistic Director

September 14 – 30, 2007

Music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by Arthur Laurents. 

GYPSY is considered one of the crowning achievements of musical theatre in the 20^th century.  It is loosely based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous striptease artist, and focuses on her struggle with her mother, Mama Rose, whose name has become synonymous with “the ultimate stage mother.”  A terrific story full of wonderful songs many of which have become popular standards including “Small World,” “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” You’ll Never Get Away From Me,” and “Let Me Entertain You.”

October 4 – 14, 2007

From the author of “The Jungle Book,” adapted by Joseph Robinette.

Five of Kipling’s Just So Stories, including “How the Camel Got His Hump,” “ How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin,” and “How the Elephant Got His Trunk” are brought vividly to life by the author’s young daughter, Elsie and her friends.  The exciting action, intriguing stories and colorful characters plus a surprise or two will delight all.

 November 2 –18, 2007 Starring Beth Domann and Mark Gideon

By Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard.  

Season’s Greetings! from Tuna, Texas, the third smallest town in the Lone Star State where all 24 of the town’s citizens are played by two quick-changin,’ quick-talkin’ hilarious comedians.  This side-splitting sequel to the hit comedy Greater Tuna comes direct from the town where the Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies.  This sassy holiday comedy presents a ten-gallon evening of laughs and holiday cheer! 

 November 29 – December 9, 2007  

Soar away on a magic carpet ride of nonstop thrills and fun in this most spectacular adventure of all time.  Set in the heart of an enchanted city, a commoner named Aladdin and his mischievous monkey, Abu, battle to save the princess Jasmine.  Aladdin’s whole life changes with one rub of the magic lamp as a fun-loving Genie appears and grants him three wishes, setting him on an incredible journey.  Through his adventures, Aladdin proves that he’s a prince where it truly matters most – on the inside!

February 1 – 17, 2008

Musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. 

Here it is! Rydell High School’s super-cool Class of ‘59. Grease is the dynamic musical comedy tribute to the age of rock and bop, blue suede shoes and poodle skirts. Tap your toes, sing along, and enjoy a fun-filled nostalgic look back at the exciting culture of the 1950s. Grease features hit songs including, "We Go Together," "Beauty School Dropout," "Summer Nights," and "Greased Lighting." A vibrant, energetic musical comedy you won’t want to miss!

March 7 – 23, 2008

Play by William Gibson based on Helen Keller’s autobiography, The Story Of My Life.

The Miracle Worker tells the story of the relationship between the deaf and blind Keller and Annie Sullivan, the teacher who brought the almost feral girl into the world of learning.  Mark Twain, an admirer of both women, dubbed Sullivan a “miracle worker” providing the inspiration for the name of Gibson’s work.  Originally produced as a television play, it moved to Broadway and was later adapted into a feature film.  Starring on Broadway and in the movie, Anne Bancroft and Patty Sullivan earned Academy Awards for the film version.

March 27 – April 6, 2008   

From Mark Twain. Adapted by Charlotte Chorpenning. 

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer embraces the predicaments and adventures of boyhood in St. Petersburg, Missouri.  Tom Sawyer and his friend Huckleberry Finn occupy themselves with racing bugs, impressing girls (particularly Becky Thatcher) and playing pirates on the Mississippi River.  Twain’s familiar characters and scenes provide an especially good look at traditional U.S. values and Tom’s attempts to circumvent them.

May 2 – 18, 2008

By Jonathon Larson, author of RENT.  

A musical look at the courage it takes to follow your dreams.  Tick, Tick…Boom!  is Larson’s autobiographical tale of a young composer about to turn 30 and falling into oblivion.  His girlfriend wants to get married, (TICK), his best friend is making big bucks (TICK) yet Jon is still waiting tables and trying to write the great American musical.  The show takes you on the playwright/composer’s journey that led to the Broadway blockbuster, RENT.  Everyone, regardless of age, will love this youthful, endearing and thoughtful piece which embraces the universal ideal of holding onto your dreams through life’s most difficult challenges.

June 13 – 29, 2008

Book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.  Co-Conceived by Eric Idle.  Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.  Music by Stephen Flaherty. Co-Conceived by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty, and Eric Idle. 

Based on the works of Dr. Seuss.  You will be delighted as all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters come to life on stage.  Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mazie and all of the Who’s of Whoville!  These classical, colorful tales are seamlessly brought together by Jojo, a young boy and “a thinker of strange and wonderful thinks”!  As each story unfolds, you will marvel at how relevant and profound Seuss’s subtle themes are, making this musical one that appeals to people of all ages.